Review: The Lost Voice Guy: Inspiration Porn at Gilded Balloon Teviot

Tone means everything in comedy. So how does one fair when you cannot rely on trailed off sentences or a hard letter for impact?

Turns out, bloody well. Although he performs despite being mute due to cerebral palsy, Lee Ridley won’t be called an inspiration. The level of comedy he produces, however, blending political commentary with self-deprecation to avoid falling into cheap shots, is.

This is not the same adorable, loveable chap who was recently crowned victor of Britain’s Got Talent and thank Christ for that. Ironically for a 4pm show, none of this material would make it before the watershed. There’s an inventive element with audience participation, video effects and even some Brucey classics. If an audience member feels the need to conceal the fact they are laughing, then that’s a solid sign you’re hitting the right stride.

Crafting his comedic sense of style through his voice synthesiser, the medium in which he communicates, Ridley’s set contains a great deal of self-deprecation. He riffs off of himself to create the sort of jokes the rest of you can’t laugh at, or you’re a terrible person to excellent effect. Ridley’s responses, movements and general manner in tandem connect all his audio together. Disability, love, benefits and the concept of being called an inspiration are all up for skewering. Specifically, when all you really want to do is turn up, have fun and get the cold hard cash.

While he rightfully defends our NHS and benefits systems and voices keen opinions over the government, Ridley doesn’t preach. They’re subjects we all know well, but conveyed from an angle which many haven’t heard from, especially from a voice that quite literally isn’t heard. So, don’t take Ridley as someone of inspiration, laugh with him and perhaps learn a little. Certainly, do not place him on a pedestal. He wouldn’t like being up there anyhow.